Surgical Oncology News

This section features a sampling of news related to surgical oncology from the popular press, from press releases received, or SSO news directly pertinent to SSO members.

Important News from ABS about MOC Part 2

Author: The American Board of Surgery
Date: Mar 27, 2013

In recent months, the ABS has announced several changes to Part 2 of Maintenance of Certification (MOC):

As of January 2012, Category II CME is no longer required for MOC or recertification. Diplomates in MOC must complete 90 hours of Category I CME over a three-year cycle.

As of July 2012, 60 of the 90 Category I CME hours must include a self-assessment activity - a written or electronic question-and-answer exercise that assesses your understanding of the material in the CME program.

Also as of July 2012, a score of 75% or higher must be achieved on the self-assessment exercise for the CME to count as self-assessment. However there is no required minimum number of questions and repeated attempts are allowed.

All CME must be relevant to a diplomate's practice; there are no other restrictions on subject matter. CME completed for state licensing requirements is acceptable.

The ABS does not approve individual CME/self-assessment activities. If the program meets the criteria above, it will count toward MOC Part 2.

Exam Credit: In recognition of the value of the exam process, the ABS will now allow diplomates to waive 60 hours of CME and self-assessment for the three-year cycle in which they pass an ABS certifying or recertification exam. This includes the exam that enrolls you in MOC. Diplomates who pass an exam given by another ABMS board can apply for CME credit from the AMA as noted on our website.

See the ABS MOC Part 2 page for details on these new requirements and a list of Part 2 resources, including a survey from the University of Pennsylvania that offers five AMA PRA Category 1 Credits at no cost.

Diplomates are enrolled in the ABS MOC Program upon certification or recertification in any ABS specialty after July 2005. MOC requirements run in three-year cycles (July 1-June 30); completion of an online form is required after each cycle. A secure exam is also required at 10-year intervals. For an overview of all ABS MOC requirements, see the ABS MOC Requirements page